During the visit, the Chief of the Air Staff complemented the Squadron on its achievements and reiterated the importance of the expansion of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and its place within the ‘Whole Force’.

Air Chief Pulford was also in attendance at the attestation Monsignor John Walsh, a Parish Priest at St Jerome’s Church Formby. Attestation is the final part of the signing on process for new recruits.

Wing Commander Gavin Hellard, Officer Commanding 611 Squadron, proudly informed the Chief of the Air Staff that following an extremely successful recruiting campaign, the number of volunteer members was now seventy-five, a milestone for the Squadron, which reformed in 2013 after a period of 50 years. The Squadron is on target to meet its compliment of 130 part time volunteer reserves for a number of roles including drivers, engineers, air traffic controllers and chefs.